The 10-year-old walked in and headed straight to the Mario Bros. backpack and exclaimed, “This is the one!” The teen girl hugged a princess pink backpack and smiled. We cheered her on saying, “You do YOU! Select any one you want.” During Build-Your-Own Backpack Day, CASA volunteers and their kiddos stuffed their favorite backpack with needed school supplies. A total of 107 filled backpacks were either picked up or shipped to CASAs for their youth.

While building their backpack, youth were also encouraged to select a book and toy. The children were excited and thankful for the gifts and the experience of finding something just for them. A CASA advocating for a Preschool, Elementary and Junior High youth happily carried a unicorn purse, a Spiderman action figure and a drone along with three very full backpacks!

A huge thank you to our community of toy drive and back-to-school donors. You are the foundation behind the smiles at these events!